Paul Robinson has criticised Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland for a dangerous challenge during his side's recent draw with Everton.

What's the word?

Haaland was arguably lucky not to be sent off against Everton following his challenge on Everton defender Vitalii Mykolenko, and was given a yellow card despite the protests from the away side.

Robinson has lambasted the tackle as "reckless," but has claimed that the referee made the correct decision by not sending the Norwegian off.

"It is a silly tackle," he told Football Insider.

“I have seen a few similar challenges from Haaland before when he’s trying to close down the full-back.

“It is reckless and it is high but I’m not sure it is quite enough for a red card. I don’t think there was enough in it for VAR to overturn the referee’s decision.

“I don’t think there was any malice in it. I think Haaland was genuinely trying to block the clearance.

“He’s gone in recklessly but I think a yellow card is the right decision in the end.”

A season-changing decision?

City ended up dropping points by drawing with Everton, and currently sit five points behind league-leaders Arsenal.

If Haaland had received a straight red, and a potential three-game ban for his tackle, then this could have had a huge impact on the title race.

The 22-year-old has an astonishing 21 goals in 16 league games, and if he were to miss potentially crunch matches for City, Pep Guardiola's side would have been dealt a big blow and could have dropped more points.

City went on to beat Chelsea with Haaland in the side, and the second half of the season promises to be a tense one as they attempt to catch Arsenal to retain the Premier League.